Parents need to handle rejection.
You can almost hear the sound effects in homes across America... hearts are breaking, bubbles bursting, dreams swirling down the drain. And I am talking about the parents, not the college applicant.
Nothing hurts more to a parent than our kid being rejected. We feel the pain. We feel rejected. Darryle Pollack, - Huffpost Blogger of the Huffington Post (April 13, 2009) reminds us that Character is defined and strengthened not by acceptance -- but by rejection.
Parents must be prepared for the graduate to assert themselves as they take control of their own destinies. Actually, this is all very healthy. You may have a young adult that has learned courage and self confidence. Sometimes, it is hard to believe but they may know what is best for them. They may not be ready for college now, but this does not mean they will not attend college ever.
I chose my path which was very different from what my parents envisioned and it included the local community college and night courses. I graduated in less than 3 years with no college debt.
In two years time, I returned to school for my Master Degree. Again, I completed this degree in 2 year program and I again graduated with no college debt.
Twenty years later, I returned for my Doctorates and I graduated with no college debt.
So, somewhere, I learned what it was that I needed to do and I did it. It was contrary to what many would have chosen. Now, in hind sight, it was brilliant, but at the time, I was just following my heart.
So, my message to parents is to accept your child's choices. Your role is to be the best cheer leader a child could have. Remember when you cheered them on in pre-school? Well they still need that cheering squad, probably more than ever.
Article by, College Parenting Expert, Dr. Debi Yohn, whose advice on successfully getting college students through college with an emphasis on graduation and rewarding employment is sought by parents from around the world. Now for the first time, she reveals 27 Winning Strategies for Success - a guidebook geared to parents of new college students. Get her free e-Book now at http://www.collegeparentsadvice.com/ and improve your child's chances of a successful college experience.
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